Would you like to get a new desktop computer? Do you find that yours is sluggish? Or has it stopped working totally? When the time comes to go shopping, you have to know exactly what to look for, and this article will teach you what you need to know, so read on.

Consider the amount of space you have for your new desktop computer. Depending on brand or model, they will require different amounts of space. Some may be small, and others may take up more space. You should know what size you want.

A Desktop Computer Guide For The Novice

If you plan on storing a lot of music or videos, make sure you get a hard drive that will cover your needs. In general, the more hard drive space that you can get, the better off you are. That is unless you only write emails and surf the web on your desktop. You need the space especially if you shoot video.

Mac & PC Software

If you want to buy a new Mac, but use PC software, Parallels for Mac can help. This software lets you use PC programs on the Mac. Doing this allows you to work with any software or program. Do note that you must buy a PC operating system along with parallels to get this set up going.

When buying a desktop computer with the intention of creating DVDs or CDs of your own, take care to verify that the model you are considering has an integrated disc burner. While most new versions will have this feature, failing to discover that a particular model does not can lead to great frustration. Try to save yourself the aggravation in advance.

As you look for the right desktop computer for your needs, pay close attention to your intended type of Internet connection as well as whether or not a potential desktop model has a modem. If you are not able to connect to broadband due to your location, you will need a modem. Otherwise, you can purchase a computer that does not have one.

Desktop Computer Backup

Back up your desktop computer from time to time. Unfortunately, computers do crash and can take all of the data on the hard drive with them. Many times that data is important and it can be devastating to lose things like pictures, papers, or anything that you store on your computer.

Nobody should buy a desktop computer without thoroughly reviewing the warranty coverage provided with a given machine. Warranties of a year or more are ideal, and it really does pay to seek those valid for both software and hardware problems alike. This can really provide significant savings should something go wrong.

How much hard drive space do you need? Look at the sizes available in terms of how many photos they can hold for an easy reference. A 500GB hard drive holds 100,000 photos, for example, or the equivalent of 38 hours of video or 125,000 MP3 songs, which is more than enough for most.

Refurbished Desktop Computers

Refurbished computers are a great choice when looking for an inexpensive machine. You know that they will work well as they have been rigorously tested before being offered for sale. On top of that, they often come with upgrades which make them as good as new devices on the market.

RAM, or memory, is basically how much muscle a computer has. It is also one of the cheapest and easiest upgrades you can ever hope to do. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to buy a system with a little bit of RAM and then upgrade up to a higher number by adding more RAM yourself.

If you are really a computer whiz, you can build your own desktop computer system. This requires extensive research of available specs and the ability to assemble the computer on your own. You may also be able to have a computer store do the assembly for you, and a result is usually a high-quality machine.

Buying New Desktop Computer

When buying a new computer, consider which way your drives point. If you can’t open them fully because there is a monitor, wall or another obstacle in the way, you’ll find your computer does nothing but frustrate you. The same goes for USB or headphone ports, or the power switch.

Can you return the computer if it doesn’t work out for you? If not, there are better places to be making your purchase. Be sure to completely understand the return policies of the place you are buying from so you don’t end up with a device that is of no use to you.

Keep in mind that the term desktop refers to both flat desktops and tower cases. Know where you plan to put the computer once you buy it. Measure it to make sure there’s enough room and check to see that it can support that much weight. Full-size towers can easily reach just under 20 inches tall and long and weigh 15 pounds of more.

Don’t let form beat out function when it comes to a desktop computer. A pretty desktop may be really calling you, but if you’re paying for the looks at the demise of good specs, then you may look back at it as a poor purchase. Always opt for more function like processor speed and memory, especially if you do multimedia work.

It’s very common for most computers to give you the ability to use Wi-Fi. But you must make sure when purchasing a new one that it offers the most up-to-date standards. It needs to support B, G and N levels. This can make your internet load much faster.

Desktop Computer Operating System

Are you looking for a specific operating system? When you’re used to Windows 7, Windows 8 might throw you for a loop. Make certain you are looking at computers that give you the operating system you want, and the version that you are familiar enough with that you’ll use it.

With so much great information available to you, you shouldn’t struggle with the purchase of a new desktop computer ever again. Just take your time as you peruse your options to ensure you get the best computer available. In the end, the more time you dedicate to your search, the better the results.